Cryptic crossword clue
To make light of note is easy at first 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MINIMISE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "To make light of" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case to make light of = minimise.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does MINIMISE mean?

MINIMISE verb
  1. To make (something) as small or as insignificant as possible.
  2. To remove (a window) from the main display area, collapsing it to an icon or caption.
  3. To treat (someone) slightingly.

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